Kafue national park is the largest protected area in Zambia covering 22 400 sq. km (8 650 Sq. miles). The mighty Kafue River bisects the park and sustains an ecosystem rich in biodiversity with 158 mammal species, 21 antelope species, and over 500 species of birds. The park offers excellent wildlife viewing with opportunities to spot predators which include cheetahs, African wild dogs, lions, and leopards. The park’s northern Busanga Plains provide habitat for massive elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and zebras. Among other antelope species including Roan, sable, Sitatunga, yellow-backed duikers, and the endemic Kafue lechwe. Due to the park’s sheer size, Kafue offers a sense of seclusion especially in the Southern Nanzhila Plains sector.
Kafue national park is managed by African Parks Network in partnership with Zambian Department of National Parks and Wildlife. Since 2021 the park has been transformed into a world class tourism destination undertaking conservation efforts such as strengthening law enforcement to curb poaching which has helped elephant populations to soar. Wildlife reintroduction has seen species like the Kafue lechwe return and rhinos are yet to be reintroduced in established 150,000-hectare Intensive Protection Zone within the park. Kafue is a major destination in Zambia along with Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa national parks.
Vegetation
The main vegetation in Kafue national park is Miombo woodlands, a semi-deciduous woodland dominated by Julbernadia, Brachystegia, and Isoberlina, candelabra tree (Euphorbia ingens) and the jackalberry (Diospyrus mespiliformis). The woodlands are interspersed by open grasslands, termite mounds, and riverine forests. During the rainy season, the Kafue river and its tributaries which include Musa, Lufupa, Luansanza, Lunga Rivers create flood plains locally known as dombos. These plains retain vital water throughout the dry season, serving as a magnet for wildlife. Those intending to visit Kafue national park should check out the four sectors and decide what suits their style.
Kafue tourism sectors
The Busanga Plains in the northern part of the park is a major sector for wildlife viewing due to the large populations of antelopes and large herbivores including elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and zebras which in turn attract predators including lions, leopards, hyenas, African wild dogs, and cheetahs.
The central sector and park headquarters is centered around Kafue and Lufupa rivers where riverine forests provide the best leopard sightings and excellent boat safaris.
The remote southern Nanzhila Plains is characterized by open dambos and Kalahari sandveld offers excellent birding in Southern Africa.
Top Activities in Kafue national park
Kafue national park offers a wide range of activities conducted in different sectors of the park.
Hot air ballooning
Kafue is the only park in Zambia where you can enjoy hot air balloon safaris. Drift over the Busanga Plains at dawn for a breathtaking one-hour flight, followed by a champagne breakfast in the African bush.
Wilderness Walking Trails
African Parks Network recently created an exclusive 6-night walking expedition in the Malala Wilderness Area. This vehicle-free adventure allows you to experience the bush on foot, gently walking for about 10km a day and sleeping in a mix of luxury chalets and wild mobile camps. Led by expert rangers, the Kafue walking expedition is safe and secure.
Boat safaris
Boat safaris and canoeing are conducted on Kafue and Lufupa Rivers in the central sector. Different types of boats are used such as motorized and electric boats, and traditional canoes to navigate shallow channels. Some of the boat trips offer classic sundowners.
Night wildlife drives
Night game drives in Kafue national park are conducted along specific tracks near lodges in Busanga Plains, Nanzhila Plains Loop and Spinal Road. The activity cannot be part of self-drive. Visitors must be accompanied by park rangers who use spotlight to spot nocturnal animals such as civets, porcupines, genets and predators such as lions and leopards. Night drives start at 6:00 or 7:30 PM and may end at 8:00 PM and return to the lodge for dinner.
How to get there
Kafue national park is 360km (223 miles) (7-hour drive) northwest of Lusaka capital city and 124km (77 miles) north of Livingstone town. The town of Kalomo is 74km via D714 to Dundumwezi gate to Nanzhila Plains. Mumbwa town is 65 km (1.5-hour drive) to the Nalusanga entrance gate, giving access to the Central and Southern sectors. Nalusanga gate offers access to Busanga Plains in the north via Hook Bridge and Spinal Road. Visitors need 4×4 vehicles to navigate all weather roads in the park. Fuel stations are found along in Mumbwa and Kalomo towns. Kafue national park can also be reached by air with daily charter flights serve several airstrips across the park which include Chunga for the Central Sector and Park HQ, Busanga for the far North Busanga Plains, Lufupa for Northern riverine camps, and Ngoma for the Southern Sector and Lake Itezhi-Tezhi.